When choosing between different CD and DVD replication services, it is important to know how many copies will be made. Most people going through this process assume that all CD media is the same. However, the number of copies required will make the difference of whether the person can save money on CD duplication services, or if CD replication is the best method. Furthermore, there is a difference between the media used to manufacture CD and DVD duplication orders and the media used to manufacture CD and DVD replication orders.

It is important to note that there is no data quality difference between CD and DVD duplication and a glass mastered CD and DVD replication disc. In fact, both processes extract the information from the master source in exactly the same way. The discs are manufactured in a different way, but data on the discs is identical, and read back the same way by CD and DVD drives.

CD and DVD replication is the standard process used to make mass quantities of CDs or DVDs. A glass master is made from the data on the original CDR disc, which in turn is used to produce stampers, which are used for injection molding. The data information is stamped into a layer of polycarbonate plastic, which then receives a micro thin layer of evaporated aluminum. This is then sealed by another thinner layer of polycarbonate plastic. The finished replicated CD or DVD is usually screen printed, and ultimately packaged. Because most of this process is automated, the cost per unit becomes factored in and very affordable on orders larger than 1000 pieces. Until recently, almost all DVD and CD duplication services replicated their discs and would only offer service of larger volume CD and DVD replication discs to their customers.

DVD duplication is the standard in which smaller quantities of CDs or DVDs are manufactured. The process is simpler than CD replication. The pre manufactured blank CDR media is loaded into CDR burners and copied, without having to create any glass master or stampers. The information is digitally extracted from the master source (usually a master CD-R or DVD-R) and copied to the blank discs. The information is typically verified and the copy will then be accepted or rejected. People often have the misconception that CD duplication is not as reliable as the CD replication process. This is, however, false.

CD and DVD duplication as well as CD and DVD replication both have their cost and quality advantages. Ultimately, it is the customer that will choose the best method to manufacture the project. All CD replication services will help put a project together that both meets quality demands and budget restrictions. Learning everything possible about CD and DVD replication will help one make an informed decision about their project and which process will work best for their needs.